This event is FREE and open to the public.

Join us at the 26th Annual Albany History Fair, and explore Black life in Gilded Age Albany through the lens of James Knapp, one of Cherry Hill’s Black residents, and through the many stories interpreted by Albany’s cultural organizations. There will be special tours, period music, scholars’ talks, exhibits by heritage and community partners, and the opening of The World of James Knapp, an art show featuring original works by local Black artists responding to James Knapp’s story.

Come hear James Knapp’s sheet music collection come to life with a live performance, view the objects and letters that he left behind, or sit down to play dominoes or make paper dolls, like James and his sister would have done when they grew up in Albany.
Presented in partnership with the Underground Railroad Education Center.

Presentations:

12:30: Dr Kori Graves, Associate Professor of History at the University at Albany, will present I, Too, Am Albany: James Knapp and His Context.

1:30: Dr. Christopher Brellochs with baritone LayVon Scott and pianist Dr. Elizabeth Gerbi will present James Knapp: Music of The Black Experience During the Gilded Age, a mini concert and talk.

2:30: Paul & Mary Liz Stewart, founders of the Underground Railroad Education Center, will present Black Life in 19th-Century Albany through the Lens of the Myers and Elkins Residences.

3:30: Marcus Kwame Anderson, Eisner Award-winning artist, illustrator, and cartoonist, will moderate Interpreting the Life of James Knapp through Art, a panel discussion with artists from The World of James Knapp exhibition.

Ongoing Activities:

Music by Carmen Lookshire

19th-century toys, games and crafts

Tours of Cherry Hill and The World of James Knapp art exhibition

Exhibits by Heritage & Community Partners